Connection device for mobile frame structures

ABSTRACT

A connection device for mobile frame structures includes a bracket on a surface having a cam shaft and a cam lock has a spiral axial slot having a locking groove and a central cam groove. A cam follower, a spring and a force stop are positioned in the central cam groove. A retention device holds the components in the cam groove. A structural support is engaged to the cam lock. An intersection between the spiral axial slot and the central cam groove has one or more detents which engage the cam follower prior to engagement of the cam lock to the bracket. The cam shaft is positioned in the spiral axial slot and the cam lock is rotated moving the cam shaft into the locking groove and depressing the cam follower relative to the spring to lock the cam shaft into the locking groove.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming priority to andthe benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/439249 filed Jun. 12,2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 1,1371,514 issued on Jun. 28, 2022. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/439249 filed Jun. 12, 2019 claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/684274 filed Jun. 13,2018. All of the above identified patents, patent applications andprovisional patent applications being incorporated by reference hereinin their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application in general is directed to a connection device andmethod for erection and disassembly of a temporary mobile event framestructure or apparatus such as an awning canopy shelter frame.

BACKGROUND

In the past it has been very difficult to erect and to dissembletemporary mobile event frame structures/apparatus such as awning canopyshelter frames. In the past individuals attempting to erect thetemporary mobile frame structures have been required to transportladders, step stools, step ladders or other structures for an individualto stand upon, in order to reach upwardly to releasably secure a framemember to a bracket as mounted at an elevated location relative to avertical surface.

During erection and disassembly activities, individuals were frequentlyrequired to reach and to stretch into an unstable or unsafe position,and to feel for an opening in a bracket on a vertical wall surface. Theindividuals then attempted to lift, hold and align an opening in asupport frame with the opening in the bracket, and then to insert aremovable pin through both of the frame and bracket openings, withoutbeing able to visualize the location of the openings of the bracket andframe. These activities were frustrating and unsafe to individuals andfrequently resulted in an individual falling.

In addition, the devices and methods know in the past to erect thetemporary mobile frame structures required the transportation of clumsyand space consuming step ladders, ladders, step stools or platforms tofacilitate assembly. Further, the known devices and methods to erect thetemporary mobile frame structures were inconvenient and required asignificant amount of time to erect or dissemble, which in turn wastedvaluable man hours.

Further, depending on the design and type of temporary mobile framestructure to be used, more than one individual was required toparticipate in the set-up and disassembly activities, further consumingtime and endangering the safety of more than a single individual.

The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitutean admission that any patent, publication or other information referredto herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention. In addition,this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been madeor that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 C.F.R. § 1.56(a)exists.

All U.S. patents and applications and all other published documentsmentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

Without limiting the scope of the invention, a brief description of someof the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below.Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/oradditional embodiments of the invention may be found in the DetailedDescription of the Invention below.

A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification isprovided for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In at least one embodiment the cam lock assembly includes a matingbracket which is mounted in an elevated location on a vertical surface.However, the bracket is not restricted to use on a vertical surface andmay be mounted on any surface. The mating bracket includes ahorizontally extending cam shaft, where the cam shaft is substantiallyparallel to a ground surface.

In at least one alternative embodiment, the cam lock assembly includes acam lock which may be releasably secured to the cam shaft in a mannersimilar to a one-quarter turn fastener.

In some embodiments the cam lock includes a shaft engagement end havinga spiral shaped locking axial slot which receives the cam shaft duringengagement of the cam lock to the mating bracket.

In at least one embodiment the cam lock is substantially cylindrical inshape having a length and a frame engagement end opposite to the shaftengagement end.

In some embodiments the cam lock includes a central axis and a centralcam groove extending from a location proximate to the locking axial slotand the frame engagement end to the shaft engagement end.

In another alternative embodiment, a cylindrical shaped cam follower, aspring and a cylindrical shaped force stop are disposed in the centralcam groove.

In an alternative embodiment a channel extends through one wall of thecam lock proximate to the frame engagement end, extending through thecentral cam groove and into the opposite wall of the cam lock.

In at least one embodiment the force stop is used to hold the spring ina compressed configuration where a split pin is inserted into thechannel engaging both of the walls of the cam lock. The compression ofthe spring exerts force onto the cam follower as positioned in thecentral cam groove towards the shaft engagement end.

In at least one embodiment the spring and the cam follower are furthercompressed during the rotation of the cam lock following the positioningof the cam shaft within the locking axial slot.

In at least one alternative embodiment the locking axial slot includesan internal locking end having a locking groove which receives the camshaft upon complete rotation of the cam lock relative to the matingbracket.

In at least one embodiment upon the rotational positioning of the camshaft within the locking groove, the spring will decompress and the camfollower will engage the cam shaft to secure the mating bracket to thecam lock.

In at least one embodiment the cam lock includes at least one tappedhole which receives a fastener used to secure the cam lock to astructural support. The cam lock may be secured to the structuralsupport by welding or any other type of mechanical or chemical fasteningalternative.

In at least one embodiment the structural support is elongate having abracket engagement end, the bracket engagement end having a fastenerreceiving aperture.

In at least one embodiment a bracket having a plurality of pairedapertures is positioned proximate to the bracket engagement end where atleast one of the paired apertures is disposed in alignment with thefastener receiving aperture.

In at least one embodiment a releasable bracket fastener is disposedthrough the at least one paired apertures and the fastener receivingaperture to releasable secure the bracket to the bracket engagement end.

In at least one embodiment a removable cover is disposed over the camlock assembly.

In at least one embodiment, a cam lock assembly includes a brackethaving a cam shaft, where the bracket engages a vertical or anothersurface. The cam lock assembly includes a cam lock having a spiral axialslot having a locking groove. The cam lock further includes a traversechannel proximate to a frame engagement end. The cam lock also includesa central cam groove between the locking groove and the frame engagementend. A cam follower is positioned in the central cam groove, a spring ispositioned in the central cam groove adjacent to the cam follower and aforce stop is positioned in the cam groove adjacent to the springopposite to the cam follower. The cam lock has a retention devicedisposed in the traverse channel and an elongate structural support isengaged to the cam lock proximate to the frame engagement end. The camshaft is positioned in the spiral axial slot and the cam lock is rotatedrelative to the cam shaft moving the cam shaft into the locking groove.It should be noted that the cam lock 30 may be inserted into the bracket48 at any relative angle, and may be further twisted or rotated from anyangle to lock the cam shaft 46 within the locking groove 64 from anyangle. The angular orientation of the cam lock 30 relative to thebracket 48 does not interfere with the positioning of the cam shaftwithin the spiral twist locking axial slot 44.

In another embodiment, the cam shaft is positioned outwardly from thevertical or another surface, and the cam shaft is disposed in a planesubstantially parallel to the vertical or another surface.

In at least one embodiment, the cam lock has a shaft engagement endwhich includes the spiral axial slot.

In some embodiments, the cam lock has a central axis, and the centralcam groove is centered relative to the central axis.

In another embodiment, the central cam groove is in communication withthe locking groove defining an intersection and the traverse channelextends through the central cam groove.

In some embodiments, in an first state the spring is compressed and theforce stop is engaged to the retention device and the intersectiondefines at least one detent where the cam follower is in contact withthe detent in an unlocked position.

In at least one embodiment, the positioning of the cam shaft in the camgroove depresses the cam follower against the spring.

In at least one embodiment, the cam lock is cylindrical in shape.

In another embodiment, a cam lock assembly includes a bracket having acam shaft where the bracket is engaged to a vertical or another surface.The cam shaft is positioned outwardly from the vertical or anothersurface and is disposed in a plane substantially parallel to thevertical or another surface. A cam lock having a shaft engagement endincludes a spiral axial slot which in turn has a locking groove. The camlock additionally has a frame engagement end having a traverse channel.The cam lock further includes a central axis and a central cam groovealong the central axis. The central cam groove is in communication withthe locking groove defining an intersection. The central cam grooveextends from the intersection to the frame engagement end, and thetraverse channel extends through the central cam groove. A cam followeris positioned in the central cam groove, a spring positioned in thecentral cam groove adjacent to the cam follower and a force stop ispositioned in the cam groove adjacent to the spring opposite to the camfollower. The cam lock further includes a retention device disposed inthe traverse channel, wherein in an first state the spring is compressedand the force stop is engaged to the retention device. In the firststate the intersection defines at least one detent, and the cam followeris engaged to the detent. An elongate structural support is engaged tothe frame engagement end, and the cam shaft is positioned in the spiralaxial slot where the cam lock is rotated relative to the cam shaftmoving the cam shaft into the locking groove. When the cam shaft is inthe locking groove the cam shaft depresses the cam follower against thespring. It should be noted that the cam lock 30 may be inserted into thebracket 48 at any relative angle, and may be further twisted or rotatedfrom any angle to lock the cam shaft 46 within the locking groove 64from any angle. The angular orientation of the cam lock 30 relative tothe bracket 48 does not interfere with the positioning of the cam shaftwithin the spiral twist locking axial slot 44.

In some embodiments, the frame engagement end has at least one tappedhole and the elongate structural support is engaged to the at least onetapped hole. Additionally, the elongate structural support and the camlock have a disassembled position relative to the mating bracket and aninitial engaged position where the cam shaft is disposed in the spiralaxial slot proximate to the shaft engagement end.

In a preferred embodiment the cam lock is rotated approximately 90degrees, moving the cam shaft into the locking groove and the camfollower engages the cam shaft in a locking position where the springexerts frictional force between the cam follower and the cam shaft inthe locking position. It should be noted that the rotation of the camlock relative to the mounting shaft in some embodiments may be more orless than 90 degrees.

In one embodiment, the elongate structural support has an opposite endhaving a structural connector. The structural connector includes afastener receiving aperture which is in a plane substantially parallelto the cam shaft in the locking position.

In at least one embodiment the cam lock assembly includes a brackethaving at least one pair of aligned apertures, and the structuralconnector is positioned proximate to the bracket aligning the fastenerreceiving aperture to the at least one pair of aligned apertures in thelocking position. A releasable bracket fastener may be positionedthrough the fastener receiving aperture and the at least one pair ofaligned apertures in the locking position.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointedout with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a parthereof. However, for further understanding of the invention, itsadvantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference should be madeto the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanyingdescriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and describedembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of one alternative embodiment of the camlock assembly;

FIG. 2 is a detail isometric perspective view of one alternativeembodiment of the cam lock assembly engaged to a mating bracket;

FIG. 3 is a detail isometric perspective view of one alternativeembodiment of the cam lock assembly engaged to a mating bracket;

FIG. 4 is a detail front elevation view of one alternative embodiment ofthe cam lock and mating bracket;

FIG. 5 is a detail front elevation view of one alternative embodiment ofthe cam lock partially engaged to the mating bracket;

FIG. 6 is a detail front elevation view of one alternative embodiment ofthe cam lock fully engaged to the mating bracket;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one alternative embodiment of the camlock;

FIG. 8 is a detail exploded front elevation view of one alternativeembodiment of the cam lock;

FIG. 9 is a detail bottom plan view of one alternative embodiment of thecam lock showing a channel for a retention device in phantom line;

FIG. 10 is a detail top plan view of one alternative embodiment of thecam lock;

FIG. 11 is a detail cross-sectional side view of one alternativeembodiment of the cam lock taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 10, duringinitial engagement of the cam lock to the mating bracket;

FIG. 12 is a detail cross-sectional side view of one alternativeembodiment of the cam lock taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 10, duringengagement of the cam follower to the cam shaft;

FIG. 13 is a detail cross-sectional side view of one alternativeembodiment of the cam lock taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 10, duringlocking engagement of the cam lock to the mating bracket;

FIG. 14 is a detail partial exploded isometric perspective view of onealternative embodiment of structural supports engaged to a bracket; and

FIG. 15 is a detail partial isometric perspective view of onealternative embodiment of structural supports engaged to a bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In general the cam lock assembly is referred to by reference numeral 10.

Referring to FIG. 1, in at least one embodiment, the cam lock assembly10 may be used to support a removable cover or awning 78 in an operativeposition to provide shade relative to a vertical or another surface 84on a structure such as a trailer 86. The removable cover or awning 78may be supported in an open operative position through the use of aplurality of mating brackets 48, brackets 72 and tubular frames orstructural supports 54.

In a preferred embodiment, one end of a tubular frame or structuralsupport 54 will include a cam lock 30 which releasably engages a matingbracket 48 as affixed to a vertical or another surface 84. Thereleasable engagement between the cam lock 30 and the mating bracket 48significantly simplifies and accelerates the erection or disassembly ofthe removable cover or awning 78 into an operative shade configurationor to a storage transportation configuration. The use of the cam lock 30and mating bracket 40 eliminates a need for an individual to transportor use step ladders, step stools, ladders or other equipment in order tosecure a structural support 54 to a vertical or another surface 84.

In some embodiments, the attachment of a structural support 54 withoutthe cam lock 30 of the present invention is quite difficult,necessitating an individual to align apertures through a structuralsupport 54, with apertures of a bracket, and to simultaneously insert aremovable pin through all of the aligned apertures. These efforts may beextremely difficult due to the absence of convenient visualization ofthe aligned apertures, and the need to lift and to hold the structuralsupports 54 in a desired elevated position or location during insertionof the removable pin.

The cam lock assembly 10, cam lock 30 and mating bracket 48 providequick connector frame components during the assembly of the removablecover 78 into an operative position, to provide shade adjacent to avertical or another surface 84. In at least one embodiment, the cam lock30 may be secured to the cam shaft 46 of a mating bracket 48 throughrotation, in a manner similar in operation to a one quarter turnfastener. It should be noted that the cam lock 30 may be inserted intothe bracket 48 at any relative angle, and may be further twisted orrotated from any angle to lock the cam shaft 46 within the lockinggroove 64 from any angle. The angular orientation of the cam lock 30relative to the bracket 48 does not interfere with the positioning ofthe cam shaft within the spiral twist locking axial slot 44.

In some embodiments, the cam lock 30 includes a spiral twist lockingaxial slot 44 which may have a chiral geometry for rotation in aclockwise direction for engagement and locking relative to the cam shaft46. In an alternative embodiment, the cam lock 30 includes a spiraltwist locking axial slot 44 which may have an achiral geometry forrotation in a counter-clockwise direction for engagement and lockingrelative to the cam shaft 46.

In some embodiments, the cam lock assembly 10 may be erected relative toa vertical or another surface 84 through the use of small and compactself-contained components of the cam lock 30 and mating brackets 48without the use of tools or external fastening components. The cam lockassembly 10 is preferably used to support a removable cover or awning 78adjacent to the vertical or other sides of the enclosed trailers as usedduring mobile portable temporary events such as racing, marketing,hospitality, and/or disaster relief to name a few. Alternatively, thecam lock assembly 10 may be used as a permanent attachment for avertical or another surface 84.

In general, FIG. 2 shows a cam lock 30 engaged in a locking positionrelative to a mating bracket 48 as secured in an elevated locationrelative to a vertical or another surface 84. The mating bracket 48includes a first support 90 and a second support 92. The first support90 and second support 92 extend normally outwardly from a mating bracketbase 94 as secured to a vertical or another surface 84. The distal endof the cam lock 30 is secured to a structural support 54 which may besquare tubular in shape through the use of fasteners 66 which may engagetapped holes 52 in the cam lock 30. It should be noted that thestructural support 54 may be of any shape as desired and may betriangular tubular, pentagon, hexagon, octagonal, round or any othershape as desired, so long as the structural support 54 is capable ofsecure engagement to the distal end of the cam lock 30. In someembodiments, the structural support 54 is not required to be tubular inconfiguration. In at least one embodiment, the operational end 96 of thestructural support 54 may include the spiral twist locking axial slot 44where the cam lock 30 is integral to the structural support 54. In otherembodiments, the cam lock 30 may be secured to the structural support 54by welding or any other type of mechanical or chemical fasteningalternative.

In a preferred embodiment, the first support 90 and the second support92 are substantially triangular in shape and are parallel relative toeach other extending outwardly from the mating bracket base 94. The camshaft 46 is located between the first support 90 and the second support92 proximate to the outwardly extending vertices of the mating bracket48.

In a preferred embodiment, the cam shaft 46 is secured between the firstsupport 90 and the second support 92 by a rigid fastener such as a bolt,screw, or pin. Alternatively, the cam shaft 46 may be permanentlyaffixed or integral to the first support 90 and second support 92 bywelding or equivalent mechanical or chemical attachment mechanisms.

Continuing to refer in general to FIG. 2, the tubular frame 54 is showndescending angularly outwardly from an elevated mating bracket 48.

Referring in general to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 includes the components asidentified relative to FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the structural support 54 isshown ascending angularly outwardly from a mating bracket 48 as attachedat a lower position relative to a vertical or another surface 84.

Referring in general to FIG. 4, the cam lock 30 is shown being alignedwith the mating bracket 48 immediately prior to the engagement of thespiral twist locking axial slot 44 to the cam shaft 46 of the matingbracket 48. As may be seen in FIG. 4 the spiral twist locking axial slot44 is offset relative to cam shaft 46 by approximately 90°. It should benoted that the spiral twist locking axial slot in other embodiments maybe offset relative to the cam shaft 46 by more or less than 90 degrees.The movement of the cam lock 30 towards the cam shaft 46 is representedby arrow 98. It should be noted that the cam lock 30 may be insertedinto the bracket 48 at any relative angle, and may be further twisted orrotated from any angle to lock the cam shaft 46 within the lockinggroove 64 from any angle. The angular orientation of the cam lock 30relative to the bracket 48 does not interfere with the positioning ofthe cam shaft within the spiral twist locking axial slot 44.

In FIG. 4, an individual is standing on a ground surface adjacent to atrailer 86 and vertical or another surface 84. The individual isgrasping a structural support 54 and is holding the structural support54 so that the cam lock 30 is elevated towards a mating bracket 48 asadjacent to a roof of a trailer 86. The individual is grasping thestructural support 54 so that an edge or side of the structural support54 is aligned to the cam shaft 46, and a face of the structural support54 is offset relative to the cam shaft 46.

FIG. 4 also shows the cam follower 36 as elevated by the spring 38 andengaged to a pair of detents 100. The detents are located and formedbetween the spiral twist locking axial slot 44 and the locking groove64. The cam shaft 46 is disposed in the locking groove 64 upon thecomplete engagement between the cam lock 30 and the mating bracket 48.

As may be seen in FIG. 4 the shaft engagement end 56 of the cam lock 30may include a chamfered edge to facilitate the positioning of the camshaft 46 within the spiral twist locking axial slot 44 when the cam lock30 is moved in the direction of arrow 98 towards the mating bracket 48.The chamfer of the shaft engagement end 56 facilitates the initialinsertion or alignment process between the cam shaft 46 and the spiraltwist locking axial slot 44. It should be noted that the cam lock 30 maybe inserted into the bracket 48 at any relative angle, and may befurther twisted or rotated from any angle to lock the cam shaft 46within the locking groove 64 from any angle. The angular orientation ofthe cam lock 30 relative to the bracket 48 does not interfere with thepositioning of the cam shaft 46 within the spiral twist axial slot 44.

In some embodiments, the internal dimensions between the spiral walls ofthe spiral twist locking axial slot 44 proximate to the shaft engagementend 56 may be larger than the internal dimension between the spiralwalls of the spiral twist locking axial slot 44 proximate to the lockingend 62 and locking groove 64. The narrower dimension between the spiralwalls of the spiral twist locking axial slot 44 proximate to the lockinggroove 64 enhances the locking of the cam lock 30 relative to the camshaft 46, by reducing clearance between the components in the fullyengaged and locked configuration.

In some embodiments, the mating bracket base 94 may include one or aplurality of affixation apertures 102 which may receive mechanicalfasteners to secure the mating bracket 48 to a vertical or anothersurface 84.

As may be seen in FIG. 5, the shaft engagement end 56 and the spiraltwist locking axial slot 44 have been advanced for engagement to the camshaft 46. The cam lock 30 and the structural support 54 are initiallyrotationally offset, where an edge of the structural support 54 is in anormal relationship to a horizontal axis of the cam shaft 46. As may beseen in one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 5, the structural support 54and cam lock 30 may be rotated in a clockwise direction as representedby arrow 104.

The rotation of the structural support 54 and the cam lock 30 in aclockwise direction advances the cam shaft 46 into the spiral twistlocking axial slot 44 towards the internal locking end 62 and lockinggroove 64. During rotational engagement of the cam lock 30 with the camshaft 46 the edge of the structural support 54 rotates so that a face ofthe structural support 54 replaces the edge of the structural support 54in the normal position relative to the horizontal cam shaft 46.

As may be seen in FIG. 6, the cam lock 30 has been fully rotated in aclockwise direction to position the cam shaft 46 into the locking groove64 of the spiral twist locking axial slot 44. In the fully engagedposition, the cam shaft 46 depresses the cam follower 36 and compressesthe spring 38 moving the cam follower 36 toward the frame engagement end58 within the central cam groove 34. In this position the cam follower36 has been depressed from engagement relative to the detents 100. In afully engaged position a face of the structural support 54 is alignedwith horizontal axis of the cam shaft 46.

It should be noted that the cam lock 30 and structural support 54, in apreferred embodiment, are rotated approximately 90° in a clockwisedirection to fully position the cam shaft 46 within the locking groove64. It should be noted that the rotation of the cam lock 30 and thestructural support 54 relative to the cam shaft 46 in some embodimentsmay be more or less than 90 degrees in order to completely dispose andposition the cam shaft 46 within the locking groove 64.

In at least one alternative embodiment, the spiral twist locking axialslot 44 may have an achiral geometry which may be rotated in acounter-clockwise direction of approximately 90° in order to completelydispose and position the cam shaft 46 within the locking groove 64. Itshould be noted that the rotation of the cam lock 30 and the structuralsupport 54 relative to the cam shaft 46 in some embodiments may be moreor less than 90 degrees in order to completely dispose and position thecam shaft 46 within the locking groove 64. In this configuration the camfollower 36 is also depressed from engagement relative to the detents100, compressing spring 38 and moving the cam follower 36 in the centralcam groove 34 towards the frame engagement end 58 of the cam lock 30.

In at least one embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, the spring 38 haspositioned the upper surface of the cam follower 36 into engagement withthe pair of detents 100, at the bottom of the spiral twist locking axialslot 44.

In at least one embodiment, as may be seen in FIG. 8, the cam lock 30 issubstantially cylindrical in shape having the shaft engagement end 56having a chamfered upper edge. The spiral twist locking axial slot 44 isdisposed proximate and at least partially through the shaft engagementend 56.

In a preferred embodiment, the cam lock 30 has a vertical axisrepresented by line 105. The central cam groove 34 is disposed andaligned relative to the vertical axis 105 and center of the cam lock 30.The central cam groove 34, at the top, breaches the lower surface of thelocking groove 64, and extends downwardly through the bottom of theframe engagement end 58. The intersection between the central cam groove34 and the locking groove 64 forms a pair of detents 100. The pair ofdetents 100 function as positioning limiters preventing upward movementand positioning of the cam follower 36 into an undesirable elevatedlocation within the locking groove 64.

In at least one embodiment, the cam lock 30 proximate to the frameengagement end 58 includes one or more tapped holes 52. The tapped holes52 receive threaded mechanical fasteners 66 which have previously passedthrough a wall of the structural support 54. As may be seen in FIG. 8,the frame engagement end 58 additionally includes a channel 40. Channel40 traverses one wall of the cam lock 30, the central cam groove 34, andenters the opposite internal wall of the cam lock 30. The channel 40 ispreferably receives a mechanical retention device 42 which may be asplit pin. In alternative embodiments the retention device 42 may be asplit pin, a dowel pin, a screw, a welded plug, or other mechanicalfastening or support element or structure.

In at least one embodiment, the cam follower 36 is cylindrical in shapehaving a diameter dimension which is smaller than the diameter dimensionof the central cam groove 34. The cam follower 36 is inserted into thecentral cam groove 34 from the opening in the frame engagement end 58.

The spring 38 has a diameter dimension which is also smaller than thediameter dimension of the central cam groove 34. The spring 38 isinserted into the central cam groove 34 after the cam follower 36 hasbeen inserted into the central cam groove 34. The upper end of thespring 38 engages the bottom surface of the cam follower 36.

The force stop 50 is preferably cylindrical in shape and has a diameterdimension which is smaller than the central cam groove 34. The forcestop 50 preferably has a diameter dimension which is equal to thediameter dimension of the cam follower 36. The upper surface of theforce stop 50 engages the lower end of the spring 38.

During assembly of the cam lock 30, compression force is applied to thelower surface of the force stop 50 to load the spring 38 as positionedbetween the force stop 50 and the cam follower 36. The cam follower 36is prevented from upward movement out of the central cam groove 34 andinto the locking groove 64 by detents 100. Compression is continued tobe applied on the bottom surface of the force stop 50 until the bottomsurface of the force stop 50 is positioned above the channel 40. In thisconfiguration the mechanical retention device 42 may be inserted intothe channel 40, completely through the first wall, and into the oppositewall of the cam lock 30.

The compression force upon the force stop 50 and spring 38 may then bereleased permitting the spring 38 to expand, separating the force stop50 from the cam follower 36, and moving the bottom surface of the forcestop 50 into engagement with the mechanical retention device 42.

In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 9, the bottom of theframe engagement end 58 of the cam lock 30 is shown. The central camgroove 34 is centrally located relative to the bottom surface of the camlock 30. As may be seen in FIG. 9, the force stop 50 is disposed in thecentral cam groove 34 and is retained in the central cam groove 34 bythe retention device 42 as inserted within channel 40.

In at least one embodiment, channel 40 has an enlarged opening 106 tofacilitate insertion of the retention device 42, which may be a pin,into the channel 40. In alternative embodiments the retention device 42may be a split pin, a dowel pin, a screw, a welded plug, or othermechanical fastening or support element or structure. In a preferredembodiment, retention device 42 is a split pin and the channel 40 has adiameter dimension which is smaller than the diameter dimension of thesplit pin prior to compression. In a preferred embodiment, the splitpin/retention device 42 compresses during insertion into the channel 40.The split pin/retention device 42 is secured within the channel 40 byfriction and the inherent outward expansion pressure of the exteriorwall of the split pin/retention device 42 on the interior of the channel40.

In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 10, the top of the shaftengagement end 56 of the cam lock 30 is shown. As may be seen in FIG.10, the cam follower 36, spring 38 and force stop 50 have not beendisposed in the central cam groove 34. The central cam groove 34 at theupper end extends into the locking groove 64 forming a pair of detents100, which limit the upward positioning of the cam follower 36,following assembly of the cam lock 30.

FIG. 10 additionally shows the spiral twist locking axial slot 44descending from the shaft engagement end 56. The upper surface of theshaft engagement end 56 may, in at least one embodiment, include a pairof crescent shaped upper flat surfaces 108 as located between the upperedges of the oppositely disposed spiral twist locking axial slots 44 andthe outer circumference of the cam lock 30.

In at least one embodiment, a cross-sectional side view of an assembledcam lock 30, as taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 10, is shown. Asshown in FIG. 11, the cam shaft 46 has been initially positioned withinthe spiral twist locking axial slot 44. The cam shaft 46 is shown inphantom line. In addition, FIG. 11 shows the cam follower 36, spring 38and force stop 50 as positioned in the central cam groove 34. FIG. 11additionally shows the retention device 42 as disposed in the channel 40traversing the central cam groove 34 and securing the force stop 50,spring 38 and cam follower 36 within the central cam grove 34 of the camlock 30.

Referring to FIG. 12, an alternative cross-sectional side view as takenalong the line 11-11 of FIG. 10, shows the cam shaft 46 as disposedwithin the spiral twist locking axial slot 44 being in contact with thetop surface of the cam follower 36. As may be seen in FIG. 12, therotation of the cam lock 30 has moved the cam shaft 46 downwardly withinthe spiral twist locking axial slot 44 before contact with the uppersurface of the cam follower 36. The rotation of the cam lock 30 indirection of arrow 104 forces the cam shaft 46 downwardly intoengagement with the upper surface of the cam follower 36, depressing thecam follower 36 within the central cam groove 34, compressing spring 38,and establishing a space represented by arrows 110 between the uppersurface of the cam follower 36 and the detents 100.

As may be seen in FIG. 13, the further rotation of the cam lock 30 inthe direction of arrow 104, moves the cam shaft 46 downwardly/inwardlyinto the locking groove 64. In this position the spring 38 is exertingupward force upon the cam follower 36. The cam follower 36 is in contactwith the cam shaft 46, establishing a frictional engagement of the camshaft 46 into a locking configuration relative to the locking groove 64.The spring 38 preferably establishes a threshold force which is requiredto be overcome for the rotation of the cam lock 30 in a directionopposite to arrow 104 in order to initiate disengagement of the camshaft 46 from the locking groove 64 and the spiral twist locking axialslot 44.

In at least one embodiment referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, astructural support 54 may have an opposite end having a structuralconnector 112. Structural connector 112 may be substantially cylindricalin shape having an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection of the structural support 54. Structural connector 112 mayhave a rounded outer surface and a centrally disposed fastener receivingaperture 70. Structural connector 112 may also include a body portionhaving one or more tapped holes 52 which receive fasteners 66 to securethe structural connector 112 to the opposite end of the structuralsupport 54. In at least one alternative embodiment, the structuralconnector 112 may be secured to the structural support 54 by welding orany other type of mechanical or chemical fastening alternative.

In at least one embodiment, the structural connector 112 is constructedfor releasable engagement to a bracket 72 which is designed toreleasably receive a cross support for engaging a removable cover 78.Bracket 72 further engages one or more structural supports 54 which inturn are engaged to a vehicle at opposite sides of removable cover 78.

In at least one embodiment, following rotation of the structural support54 in the direction of arrow 104, and the engagement of the cam lock 30to the mating bracket 48, the fastener receiving aperture 70 may bealigned with a pair of bracket apertures 74 of the bracket 72. Uponalignment of the fastener receiving aperture 70 with the bracketapertures 74 a releasable bracket fastener 76 or pin may secure thestructural connector 112 and structural support 54 to the bracket 72.The insertion of the structural support 54 and structural connector 52into bracket 72 is represented by arrow 114. The insertion of thereleasable bracket fastener 76 or pin within a pair of bracket apertures74 and the fastener receiving aperture 70 is represented by arrow 116.

In at least one embodiment, the components of the cam lock assembly 10are formed of air craft grade aluminum, stainless steel, steel, othermetal material, plastic or composite materials and combinations thereof.The material selected for the components of the cam lock assembly 10 arepreferably sufficiently sturdy to not fracture or fail, when the camlock assembly 10 is used for its intended purpose.

In at least one embodiment, the components of the cam lock assembly 10are held in place by the spring 38, forcing the cam follower 36 onto thecam shaft 46 to prevent counter rotation of the cam lock 30 followingengagement to the mating bracket 48. A dampener may also be used inconjunction with the spring 38 (or any other force generating device) toreduce or eliminate axial movement of the assembled components of thecam lock assembly 10. An external device/method may also be used toprovide additional retention/anti-rotation force if required for a morepermanent connection between the cam lock 30 and the mating bracket 48.The cam lock assembly 1.0 permits quick assembly without the use oftools or additional separate pieces by using only the self-containedcomponents. The cam lock assembly 10 also provides positive feedback toan individual during the locking/unlocking process.

In some embodiments the spiral twist locking axial slot 44 also servesto create mechanical advantage for compressing the spring 38 to generatethe retention force for holding/locking the cam follower 36 onto the camshaft 46 as disposed in the locking groove 64, which in turn retains theassembled components of the cam lock assembly 10 in an engaged operativeposition. The geometry of the spiral twist locking axial slot 44 alsoserves to create a natural or desired twisting motion during insertionassembly/removal or disassembly of a cam lock 30 to or from a matingbracket 48.

In some embodiments the geometry of the spiral twist locking axial slot44 may be altered to provide a desired amount of rotational force forengagement and locking relative to the cam shaft 46. For example, therelative vertical dimension of the spiral twist locking axial slot 44along axis 105 (the tightness of the spiral twist) may be shortened orlengthened to provide a desired rotational and locking force requiredfor assembly/disassembly as well as retention force between the cam lock30 and bracket 48. Alternatively, the relative horizontal dimension ofthe spiral twist locking axial slot 44 in a direction normal to axis 105(the width of the spiral twist) may be increased or decreased to providea desired rotational and locking force required for assembly/disassemblyas well as retention force between the cam lock 30 and bracket 48.Further the angle of the slot of the spiral twist locking axial slot 44may be variable and may be increased or decreased at any location alongthe spiral twist locking axial slot 44 to provide a desired rotationaland locking force required for assembly/disassembly as well as retentionforce between the cam lock 30 and bracket 48. In addition, in anydesired embodiment the length, tightness, width and angle of incidencefor the slot of the spiral twist locking axial slot 44 may be adjustedin any desired combination to provide a desired rotational and lockingforce required for assembly/disassembly as well as retention forcebetween the cam lock 30 and bracket 48. It should also be noted that inassociation with the alternatives in geometry for the spiral twistlocking axial slot 44 the strength of the spring 38 may vary to providea desired rotational and locking force required for assembly/disassemblyas well as retention force between the cam lock 30 and bracket 48.

In at least one embodiment, retention force is generated towards theshaft engagement end 56 of the spiral twist locking axial slot 44 due tothe smaller diameter channel proximate to the frame engagement end 58which permits expansion of the spring 38 on the cam follower 36. Thisallows for easy alignment of the spiral twist locking axial slot 44 ontothe cam shaft 46 during initial insertion and twisting.

In some embodiments, the cam lock 30 may contain mounting holes/featuresfor installation into/onto tubing or other structural pieces used in theassembly/construction of awning/canopy frame work or any othercomponents required to be held together. The cam shaft 46 may becontained in a bracket which may be mounted to another structure such asthe side of an enclosed trailer, building or fixed or semi-fixedstructure.

The spiral twist locking axial slot 44 and mounting holes 66 may beused/altered to provide precise orientation. of the assembled componentsof the cam lock assembly 10 for ease of initial installation. Also thelocation of the assembled components of the cam lock assembly 10 andfeatures provide for precise final assembly location of components.

Unlocking of the components of the cam lock assembly 10 is performed ina reverse manner of twisting of the cam lock 30 onto a mating bracket48, which is required to overcome the spring retention force exerted inthe spiral twist locking axial slot 44 by the cam follower 36 upon thecam shaft 46. The spiral twist locking axial slot 44 providesdesired/natural guidance during this process (similar as the insertionprocess). In at least one embodiment, the insertion and retention forcesmay be altered by changes to the path of the spiral twist locking axialslot 44, the spring 38 parameters, the cam follower 35 length, or theposition or location of the detents 100.

The use of the cam lock assembly 10 speeds up installation ofreceptacles and enhances the low assembly time for the fastenerinstallation. Naturally this is further enhanced by the fact that theentire fastening structure is incorporated on the receptacle and noseparate fastener elements such as screws or bolts or rivets arerequired.

To unfasten the cam lock assembly 10 from a vertical or another surface84, it is merely necessary to rotate the cam lock 30 in the oppositedirection, thus permitting the cam shaft 46 to move upwardly oroutwardly relative to the spiral twist locking axial slot 44 until thecam shaft 46 is disengaged from the cam lock 30.

It should be noted that the structural members 54 as connected to eachother may be provided at any desired relative angle for erection of atemporary mobile event frame structure or apparatus such as awningcanopy shelter frame.

In a first embodiment, a cam lock assembly includes a bracket, thebracket having a cam shaft, the bracket being constructed and arrangedfor engagement to a vertical or another surface; a cam lock, the camlock having a bottom and a spiral axial slot opposite to the bottom, thespiral axial slot having a locking groove, the cam lock further having atraverse channel proximate to the bottom, the cam lock further having acentral cam groove between the locking groove and the bottom, the camlock further having a cam follower positioned in the central cam groove,a spring positioned in the central cam groove adjacent to the camfollower and a force stop positioned in the cam groove adjacent to thespring opposite to the cam follower, the cam lock further having aretention device disposed in the traverse channel; and an elongatestructural support engaged to the cam lock proximate to the bottom,wherein the cam shaft is constructed and arranged for positioning in thespiral axial slot and the cam lock is rotated relative to the cam shaftmoving the cam shaft into the locking groove. In a second alternativeembodiment according to the first embodiment, the cam shaft ispositioned outwardly from the vertical or another surface, the cam shaftbeing disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the vertical oranother surface.

In a third alternative embodiment according to the second embodiment,the cam lock has a shaft engagement end, the shaft engagement end havingthe spiral axial slot. In a fourth alternative embodiment according tothe third embodiment, the cam lock has a central the central cam groovebeing centered relative to the central axis.

In a fifth alternative embodiment according to the fourth embodiment,the central cam groove is in communication with the locking groovedefining an intersection.

In a sixth alternative embodiment according to the fifth embodiment, thetraverse channel extends through the central cam groove.

In a seventh alternative embodiment according to the sixth embodiment,in an first state the spring is compressed and the force stop is engagedto the retention device.

In an eighth alternative embodiment according to the seventh embodiment,the intersection defines at least one detent, the cam follower isengaged to the detent in an unlocked position.

In a ninth alternative embodiment according to the eighth embodiment,positioning of the cam shaft in the locking groove depresses the camfollower against the spring.

In a tenth alternative embodiment according to the eighth embodiment,the cam lock is cylindrical in shape.

In an eleventh alternative embodiment, a cam lock assembly includes abracket, the bracket having a cam shaft, the bracket being constructedand arranged for engagement to a vertical or another surface, the camshaft positioned outwardly from the vertical or another surface, the camshaft being disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the verticalor another surface; a cam lock, the cam lock having a shaft engagementend having a spiral axial slot, the spiral axial slot having a lockinggroove, the cam lock further having a frame engagement end having atraverse channel, the cam lock further having a central axis and acentral cam groove along the central axis, the central cam groove beingin communication with the locking groove defining an intersection, thecentral cam groove extending from the intersection to the frameengagement end, the traverse channel extending through the central camgroove, the cam lock further having a cam follower positioned in thecentral cam groove, a spring positioned in the central cam grooveadjacent to the cam follower and a force stop positioned in the camgroove adjacent to the spring opposite to the cam follower, the cam lockfurther having a retention device disposed in the traverse channel,wherein in an first state the spring is compressed and the force stop isengaged to the retention device, the intersection defining at least onedetent, and the cam follower is engaged to the detent in the firststate; and an elongate structural support engaged to the frameengagement end, wherein the cam shaft is constructed and arranged forpositioning in the spiral axial slot and the cam lock is rotatedrelative to the cam shaft moving the cam shaft into the locking groove,and depressing the cam follower against the spring.

In a twelfth alternative embodiment according to the eleventhembodiment, the frame engagement end has at least one tapped hole andthe elongate structural support is engaged to the at least one tappedhole.

In a thirteenth alternative embodiment according to the twelfthembodiment, the elongate structural support and the cam lock have adisassembled position relative to the mating bracket and an initialengaged position where the cam shaft is disposed in the spiral axialslot proximate to the shaft engagement end.

In a fourteenth alternative embodiment according to the thirteenthembodiment, the cam lock is rotated approximately 90 degrees, moving thecam shaft into the locking groove.

In a fifteenth alternative embodiment according to the fourteenthembodiment, the cam follower engages the cam shaft in a locking positionand the spring exerts frictional force between the cam follower and thecam shaft in the locking position.

In a sixteenth alternative embodiment according to the fifteenthembodiment, the elongate structural support has an opposite end, theopposite end includes a structural connector.

In a seventeenth alternative embodiment according to the sixteenthembodiment, the structural connector includes a fastener receivingaperture.

In an eighteenth alternative embodiment according to the seventeenthembodiment, the fastener receiving aperture is in a plane substantiallyparallel to the cam shaft in the locking position.

In a nineteenth alternative embodiment according to the eighteenthembodiment, the cam lock assembly includes a bracket, the bracketincluding at least one pair of aligned apertures, wherein the structuralconnector is positioned proximate to the bracket aligning the fastenerreceiving aperture to the at least one pair of aligned apertures in thelocking position.

In a twentieth alternative embodiment according to the nineteenthembodiment, a releasable bracket fastener is releasably positionedthrough the fastener receiving aperture and the at least one pair ofaligned apertures in the locking position.

This completes the description of the preferred and alternateembodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognizeother equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein whichequivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attachedhereto.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive.This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one ofordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individualfigures and described above may be combined or modified for combinationas desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising”means “including, but not limited to”.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointedout with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a parthereof. However, for further understanding of the invention, itsadvantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference should be madeto the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanyingdescriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and describedembodiments of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A cam lock assembly comprising: a bracket, said brackethaving a cam shaft; and a cam lock, said cam lock having a bottom and aspiral axial slot opposite to said bottom, said spiral axial slot havinga locking groove, said cam lock further having a central cam groove incommunication with said spiral axial slot, said central cam groove beingbetween said locking groove and said bottom, said cam lock furtherhaving a cam follower positioned in said central cam groove, a springpositioned in said central cam groove adjacent to said cam follower anda force stop positioned in said cam groove adjacent to said springopposite to said cam follower, said cam lock further having at least onedetent between said spiral axial slot and said locking groove; whereinsaid cam shaft is constructed and arranged for positioning in saidspiral axial slot and said cam lock is rotated relative to said camshaft moving said cam shaft into said locking groove, and wherein saidcam follower is movable within said central cam groove and said camfollower is engaged to said at least one detent in an unlocked positionand wherein said cam lock is rotated relative to said cam shaft formovement of said cam follower away from said at least one detent uponpositioning of said cam shaft into a locked position.
 2. The cam lockassembly according to claim 1, said cam lock having a shaft engagementend said shaft engagement end having said spiral axial slot.
 3. The camlock assembly according to claim 2, said cam lock having a central axis,said central cam groove being centered relative to said central axis. 4.The cam lock assembly according to claim 3, said central cam groovebeing in communication with said locking groove defining anintersection.
 5. The cam lock assembly according to claim 4, saidintersection defining said at least one detent.
 6. The cam lock assemblyaccording to claim 5, wherein positioning of said cam shaft in saidlocking groove depresses said cam follower against said spring.
 7. Thecam lock assembly according to claim 6, wherein said cam lock iscylindrical in shape.
 8. A cam lock assembly comprising: a bracket, saidbracket having a cam shaft; and a cam lock, said cam lock having a shaftengagement end having a spiral axial slot, said spiral axial slot havinga locking groove, said cam lock further having a central axis and acentral cam groove along said central axis, said central cam groovebeing in communication with said locking groove defining anintersection, said central cam groove extending from said intersectionto a bottom end, said cam lock further having a cam follower positionedin said central cam groove, a spring positioned in said central camgroove adjacent to said cam follower and a force stop positioned in saidcentral cam groove adjacent to said spring opposite to said camfollower, wherein said intersection defines said at least one detent,and said cam follower is engaged to said detent in a first state;wherein said cam shaft is constructed and arranged for positioning insaid spiral axial slot and said cam lock is rotated relative to said camshaft moving said cam shaft into said locking groove, and depressingsaid cam follower against said spring.
 9. The cam lock assemblyaccording to claim 8, wherein said cam lock is rotated approximately 90degrees, moving said cam shaft into said locking groove.
 10. The camlock assembly according to claim 9, wherein said cam follower engagessaid cam shaft in a locking position and said spring exerts frictionalforce between said cam follower and said cam shaft in said lockingposition.
 11. A cam lock assembly comprising: a bracket, said brackethaving a cam shaft; a cam lock, said cam lock having a bottom and aspiral axial slot opposite to said bottom, said spiral axial slot havinga locking groove, said cam lock further having a central cam groovebetween said locking groove and said bottom, said cam lock furtherhaving a cam follower positioned in said central cam groove, a springpositioned in said central cam groove adjacent to said cam follower anda force stop positioned in said cam groove adjacent to said springopposite to said cam follower; and wherein said cam shaft is constructedand arranged for positioning in said spiral axial slot and said cam lockis rotated relative to said cam shaft moving said cam shaft into saidlocking groove, said cam lock having a shaft engagement end, said shaftengagement end having said spiral axial slot, said cam lock having acentral axis, said central cam groove being centered relative to saidcentral axis, said central cam groove being in communication with saidlocking groove defining an intersection, said intersection defining atleast one detent, said cam follower being engaged to said detent in anunlocked position.